My Lexus IS250 Build Thread

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dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:40 AM

So I gave her a full wash and vac then got some masking paper out and gave her a complete machine polish top to bottom

Half way through

[Image: 2016-03-05%2013.41.08.jpg]

All de-hologramed and ready for paint treatment

[Image: 2016-03-05%2014.37.43.jpg]

This is a bottle of stuff that 1 of the valeters at work gave me he said its amazing, so stuck some of this one next as the paint was as clean and free for dirt as it had been since the day it left the showroom so seemed the ideal time to add some extra protection

[Image: 2016-03-05%2014.39.26.jpg]

Once that was removed it was a final coat of HD Wax and complete clean off, paintwork protected and looking great again, took about 6 hours to get the paintwork back up to scratch but worth every second really happy with it.

I forgot how much like hard work polishing cars with wax on and off is, I spend my life at a computer now body wasn't used to a bit of actual work

[Image: 2016-03-05%2015.44.42.jpg]

Next up was to give the interior a valet to match the following weekend

Under bonnet cleaned and made shiny, not much to see other than lots of plastic covers, there is a V6 under there somewhere I'm sure

[Image: 2016-03-12%2013.26.19.jpg]

After that it was time to, clean and re-dress all the leather, dress all the plastic, clean all the glass, then vacuum and clean everywhere, feels like brand new when I get in it now, there's nothing better than that freshly dressed and valeted smell either.

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.07.32.jpg]

The view from the drivers seat on my way home

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.09.06.jpg]

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:40 AM #1

Only just found the forum so will copy and paste most of my posts from another forum, so if something doesn't make sense please bare with me.

I will split it up into several posts as there has been quite a bit of progress and a lot of photos

How my car started the day, hadn't been washed for 2 weeks any good build thread needs a clean car to start with!

[Image: 2016-03-05%2011.24.09.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-05%2011.24.13.jpg]

So I gave her a full wash and vac then got some masking paper out and gave her a complete machine polish top to bottom

Half way through

[Image: 2016-03-05%2013.41.08.jpg]

All de-hologramed and ready for paint treatment

[Image: 2016-03-05%2014.37.43.jpg]

This is a bottle of stuff that 1 of the valeters at work gave me he said its amazing, so stuck some of this one next as the paint was as clean and free for dirt as it had been since the day it left the showroom so seemed the ideal time to add some extra protection

[Image: 2016-03-05%2014.39.26.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-05%2015.18.24.jpg]

Once that was removed it was a final coat of HD Wax and complete clean off, paintwork protected and looking great again, took about 6 hours to get the paintwork back up to scratch but worth every second really happy with it.

I forgot how much like hard work polishing cars with wax on and off is, I spend my life at a computer now body wasn't used to a bit of actual work

[Image: 2016-03-05%2015.44.42.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-05%2016.02.26.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-05%2015.49.17.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-05%2015.49.27.jpg]

Next up was to give the interior a valet to match the following weekend

Under bonnet cleaned and made shiny, not much to see other than lots of plastic covers, there is a V6 under there somewhere I'm sure

[Image: 2016-03-12%2013.26.19.jpg]

After that it was time to, clean and re-dress all the leather, dress all the plastic, clean all the glass, then vacuum and clean everywhere, feels like brand new when I get in it now, there's nothing better than that freshly dressed and valeted smell either.

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.07.32.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.07.40.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.07.52.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.08.09.jpg]

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.08.22.jpg]

The view from the drivers seat on my way home

[Image: 2016-03-12%2015.09.06.jpg]

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:43 AM

Stock lower airbox removed and fins present:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2010.16.47.jpg]

Hole cut and fins removed half way though:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.11.25.jpg]

Easy enough job to do if you have access to any of these sort of tools:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.13.10.jpg]

Pile of airbox innards, took about an hour of smoothing to make this mess!
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.18.24.jpg]

Airbox re-dressed and ready to go:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.21.33.jpg]

Was it worth it? Yes! Really happy I never expected any performance gains and highly doubt there will be any it was purely done for the increase intake volume. I could have just cut the hole and left the fins, but as I had the time tools and Lexus obviously decided on the F-Sport intake it was better to remove them so did I.
The intake noise is nice and subtle, I think with the added sound creator once I get my hands on 1 in the next week I will have achieved as much as I want from the intake volume then, should give a very nice sounds when revving the engine but still keep a stock whisper quiet system when commuting and driving day to day, the best of both worlds

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:43 AM #2

First mod was the F-Sport intake mod.

The F-Sport intake is a modified lower airbox and new intake pipe for £650! So I decided to replicate it exactly the same for nothing, I am also going to add the sound creator from the new IS and GT86 shown below to increase the intake volume either further
Click the image to open in full size.

[Image: 20121018_1bbd06.jpg]

Stock lower airbox removed and fins present:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2010.16.47.jpg]
[Image: 2016-03-20%2010.16.52.jpg]
Hole cut and fins removed half way though:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.11.25.jpg]
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.11.28.jpg]
Easy enough job to do if you have access to any of these sort of tools:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.13.10.jpg]
Pile of airbox innards, took about an hour of smoothing to make this mess!
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.18.24.jpg]
Airbox re-dressed and ready to go:
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.21.33.jpg]
[Image: 2016-03-20%2011.21.38.jpg]

Was it worth it? Yes! Really happy I never expected any performance gains and highly doubt there will be any it was purely done for the increase intake volume. I could have just cut the hole and left the fins, but as I had the time tools and Lexus obviously decided on the F-Sport intake it was better to remove them so did I.
The intake noise is nice and subtle, I think with the added sound creator once I get my hands on 1 in the next week I will have achieved as much as I want from the intake volume then, should give a very nice sounds when revving the engine but still keep a stock whisper quiet system when commuting and driving day to day, the best of both worlds

Wayne
Senior Member

607

14-03-2023, 10:45 AM

I don't like cleaning mine, I notice all the dents, scratches and stone chips, it makes me sad.

Wayne

14-03-2023, 10:45 AM #3

I don't like cleaning mine, I notice all the dents, scratches and stone chips, it makes me sad.

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:46 AM

This is where the dashcam was siting with the original mounting, it sat a bit low for my liking and I found it slightly distracting when driving, you can however set it to go off, but I still wanted to get it out my way so I still had full visibility of the road
[Image: 2016-03-16%2017.10.09.jpg]

So I bought one of these little bad boys from amazon, didn't realise it was coming from China, so 2 weeks later it turned up, fits perfect and makes the whole setup much much neater!
[Image: 2016-03-23%2018.47.55.jpg]

Now when driving everything is hidden behind the rear view mirror and I full visibility of the road as if the dash cam wasn't even there, quietly sits recording everything without any need for me to touch it and does everything I wanted
[Image: 2016-03-23%2018.48.16.jpg]

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:46 AM #4

Picked up a Nextbase 402g on ebay brand new for a bargain on a wrongly listed item, so decided to install it, can highly recommend this until if you are thinking about getting a dash cam it does a superb job in any light and the image quality is superb.
I have wired the Mini USB power supply straight from the power in the mirror and the control module is hidden up in the roof lining, this is really simple to do and saves have wires trailing all round the vehicle and using one of the 12v sockets.
This picture shows the power cable coming through from the roof lining
[Image: 2016-03-16%2017.10.26.jpg]
This is where the dashcam was siting with the original mounting, it sat a bit low for my liking and I found it slightly distracting when driving, you can however set it to go off, but I still wanted to get it out my way so I still had full visibility of the road
[Image: 2016-03-16%2017.10.09.jpg]
So I bought one of these little bad boys from amazon, didn't realise it was coming from China, so 2 weeks later it turned up, fits perfect and makes the whole setup much much neater!
[Image: 2016-03-23%2018.47.55.jpg]
Now when driving everything is hidden behind the rear view mirror and I full visibility of the road as if the dash cam wasn't even there, quietly sits recording everything without any need for me to touch it and does everything I wanted
[Image: 2016-03-23%2018.48.16.jpg]

Sparkystav
Administrator

14,683

14-03-2023, 10:47 AM

Love that colour mate! Amazing work.

If you want to brighten up the engine bay speak to prodip on here they do some amazing work

Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.

OutlawJapClub Admin Team

Sparkystav

14-03-2023, 10:47 AM #5

Love that colour mate! Amazing work.

If you want to brighten up the engine bay speak to prodip on here they do some amazing work

Read my thread here: The Evolution of my Turbo Lexus from NA-Supercharged-Twin Turbo-Massive Single
Please leave your comments.

OutlawJapClub Admin Team

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:49 AM

Valve mounted
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.21.01.jpg]

Wide Open

Closed and silent again
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.21.59.jpg]

This is the switch to control the valve, it is the only this you can actually see about the entire system, all the wiring is hidden behind the dash from the feeds I have taken, the wiring then going through the floor via a grommet that is already there from factory, hidden underneath the car by all the plastic trims, over and around the back axel then to the valve, so other than this switch which I am looking to an alternative more factory looking version you really cant tell the system is in place
[Image: 2016-03-26%2015.04.54.jpg]

Adjusting the valve, although the switch doesn't look quite factory, you don't actually see it when driving as it is hidden behind the steering wheel, I am looking at a more OEM solution though that looks as though Lexus installed it
[Image: 2016-03-26%2015.05.15.jpg]

And the all important part how does it actually sound?

Amazing it actually sounds better than I expected I really didn't know how it would sound and was worried I would have just wasted lots of time and money but it ha an excellent sound to it, its what a V6 really should sound like when you boot it now, also because the valve is adjustable you can actually adjust the volume and even the tone of the exhaust by opening or closing the valve, it isn't just a case of fully open or fully closed you can adjust it to where you want.

There was a couple of lads in the workshop today 2 of which were shaking their heads as I was doing this mod going what are you doing, what is the point in that, but both of them admitted it sounds superb when it was done they were really shocked and how nice it sounds. By the time I was finished installing it they actually got it so was pleased the system didn't make me look a complete numpty..... I'm sure some of you will still think I am for this mod hehe

I haven't managed to do any recording of the sound yet so you can all hear it but I will do in the next couple of weeks, I am also waiting for my sound creator intake to arrive from Lexus which compliment the exhaust system also I think as the exhaust has lots of volume low in the rev range and seems to go quitter at the top end, but then from 3.5k in intake volume really kicks in, so hopefully once the new intake volume is present I will have a sporty great sounding car, that can also be driven day to day silently

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:49 AM #6

Well today I did what any normal man does on his day off when he works 6 days a week usually, I went into work!

But this time it was for modding purposes, the mod I have done today is possibly my favourite mod on any vehicle I have owned. It wont be for everyone this mod but that's the beauty of it, if you don't like it you turn it off if you do like it you turn it on!
I fitted a QTP slimline exhaust valve, basically what this does is make a great big hole in your rear section of the exhaust system and makes as much or as little noise as you want...... like I said not for everyone.

After several hours of work it was all welded in place with a nice tidy power feed and switch at the drivers fingertips, quick flick of the switch and the exhaust valve opens up and the last 2 rear silencers are bypassed, press the switch again and the exhaust flap closes and the system is completely stock, refined and no one would ever know.

The inspiration behind this mod was that several times previously I have put fancy stainless systems on cars, some very loud some very subtle but all of which I have eventually regretted because there's a large amount of time I just want to sit in absolute silence or even have the ability to use the power without making lots of noise. However there are also scenarios where I just want to enjoy my car and make lots of noise, this mod wont make my car any quicker but it does put a smile on my face when open the exhaust valve. All in all it is the best of both worlds for me.

Freshly welded valve mount this picture probably does do justice to just how long it took to get these 2 pipes to butt up together so nicely, from the point of taking the mounting kit to actually having it welded in place was about 2 hours
[Image: 2016-03-26%2012.49.32.jpg]
Valve mounted
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.21.01.jpg]
Wide Open
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.21.06.jpg]
Closed and silent again
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.21.59.jpg]
[Image: 2016-03-26%2013.22.01.jpg]
This is the switch to control the valve, it is the only this you can actually see about the entire system, all the wiring is hidden behind the dash from the feeds I have taken, the wiring then going through the floor via a grommet that is already there from factory, hidden underneath the car by all the plastic trims, over and around the back axel then to the valve, so other than this switch which I am looking to an alternative more factory looking version you really cant tell the system is in place
[Image: 2016-03-26%2015.04.54.jpg]
Adjusting the valve, although the switch doesn't look quite factory, you don't actually see it when driving as it is hidden behind the steering wheel, I am looking at a more OEM solution though that looks as though Lexus installed it
[Image: 2016-03-26%2015.05.15.jpg]

And the all important part how does it actually sound?

Amazing it actually sounds better than I expected I really didn't know how it would sound and was worried I would have just wasted lots of time and money but it ha an excellent sound to it, its what a V6 really should sound like when you boot it now, also because the valve is adjustable you can actually adjust the volume and even the tone of the exhaust by opening or closing the valve, it isn't just a case of fully open or fully closed you can adjust it to where you want.

There was a couple of lads in the workshop today 2 of which were shaking their heads as I was doing this mod going what are you doing, what is the point in that, but both of them admitted it sounds superb when it was done they were really shocked and how nice it sounds. By the time I was finished installing it they actually got it so was pleased the system didn't make me look a complete numpty..... I'm sure some of you will still think I am for this mod hehe

I haven't managed to do any recording of the sound yet so you can all hear it but I will do in the next couple of weeks, I am also waiting for my sound creator intake to arrive from Lexus which compliment the exhaust system also I think as the exhaust has lots of volume low in the rev range and seems to go quitter at the top end, but then from 3.5k in intake volume really kicks in, so hopefully once the new intake volume is present I will have a sporty great sounding car, that can also be driven day to day silently

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:53 AM

A nice Lexus Sound Creator

[Image: 2016-03-31%2013.44.08.jpg]

It fits beautifully and looks the part, anyone looking at the complete induction system would think it is all completely stock unless they know the engine of course!

Close up of the sound creator, don't worry that hose was re-connected straight after this photo!
[Image: 2016-03-31%2013.44.11.jpg]

Most importantly though how does it sound?

Superb it just emphasises the natural induction noise from the F-Sport style induction setup, if you drive around nice and relaxed everything is nice and quiet just like stock and the reason I wanted the car in the first place.
With the induction setup and exhaust I now have the option of stock volume or nice induction roar at full throttle or I can open the exhaust valve and go full all out loud and boisterous! None of these mods made the car quicker at all, but they don't half put a smile on your face, especially the induction kit.

Here are a few videos of different scenarios that should give you a good idea of how the car now sounds with audio mods of, electronic exhaust valve after 1st silencer, F-Sport intake lower box mod and Sound creator intake pipe

https://www.youtube.com/embed/D2L5vjHfIqY - Exhaust closed Window closed setting off

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ar81jJGed1w - Exhaust open Window open setting off

https://www.youtube.com/embed/HktyZKkeETU - Exhaust open Window open setting off 2

https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhyuKdUmdtI - Exhaust closed Window closed accelerating

https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2N-XjNXBVU - Exhaust open window closed accelerating

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:53 AM #7

A nice Lexus Sound Creator

[Image: 2016-03-31%2013.44.08.jpg]

It fits beautifully and looks the part, anyone looking at the complete induction system would think it is all completely stock unless they know the engine of course!

Close up of the sound creator, don't worry that hose was re-connected straight after this photo!
[Image: 2016-03-31%2013.44.11.jpg]

Most importantly though how does it sound?

Superb it just emphasises the natural induction noise from the F-Sport style induction setup, if you drive around nice and relaxed everything is nice and quiet just like stock and the reason I wanted the car in the first place.
With the induction setup and exhaust I now have the option of stock volume or nice induction roar at full throttle or I can open the exhaust valve and go full all out loud and boisterous! None of these mods made the car quicker at all, but they don't half put a smile on your face, especially the induction kit.

Here are a few videos of different scenarios that should give you a good idea of how the car now sounds with audio mods of, electronic exhaust valve after 1st silencer, F-Sport intake lower box mod and Sound creator intake pipe

https://www.youtube.com/embed/D2L5vjHfIqY - Exhaust closed Window closed setting off

https://www.youtube.com/embed/ar81jJGed1w - Exhaust open Window open setting off

https://www.youtube.com/embed/HktyZKkeETU - Exhaust open Window open setting off 2

https://www.youtube.com/embed/PhyuKdUmdtI - Exhaust closed Window closed accelerating

https://www.youtube.com/embed/I2N-XjNXBVU - Exhaust open window closed accelerating

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:54 AM

Wanted an F-Sport badge for the rear so imported this:

[Image: 2016-04-08%2016.51.30.jpg]

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:54 AM #8

Wanted an F-Sport badge for the rear so imported this:

[Image: 2016-04-08%2016.51.30.jpg]

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 10:59 AM

Diffuser is then bonded on and held in position with tape:
[Image: 2016-04-09%2013.22.05.jpg]

Once the bonding is complete I have then run panel bond right around the edge where the splitter meets the bumper, this stuff dries incredibly strong, it is used for holding quarter panels onto cars so you can imagine its got some good strength to it.

The main reason for using panel bond over anything else though is that it does not crack, ones smoothed over like this is has fuel the diffuser to the original bumper they are pretty much 1 piece now, the slightest knock isn't going to crack the edge right along and look a right mess like you see on some vehicles that have had bits and pieces added this stuff is superb, also it can be sanded smooth
[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.03.29.jpg]

So that was as far as I could get today as the panel bond takes quite a while to really cure so I can sand it down make it smooth and give it a final bit of stopper before prepping up the entire area and high build primering, so until I get chance to work on it this is how my car will look driving around for a while, bit of a mess!

[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.42.44.jpg]

Next on the agenda was a job that should have been nice and simple quick job but actually took me 3 hours!

My new wheels have centre caps that are about 2mm bigger than the original lexus ones, I needed to remove the domed logos from my original caps onto the new caps.

New caps lacquered around the edge so the glossy Lexus logos don't look smaller than the caps

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.32.28.jpg]

This was the bit that took all the time, logos removed from original caps, all the double sided sticky removed and undersides re-blacked ready for to stuck onto the new caps

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.32.23.jpg]

Badges then glued to the new caps, excuse the dust couldn't wipe them clean until it has dried, will give them a quick polish on Monday and they will be all good and ready to go as soon as the tyres are fitted on the new wheels and I can get them installed

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.41.07.jpg]

dougie175

14-03-2023, 10:59 AM #9

Made some good progress today with the rear diffuser, bit of a pig to fit and as usual I decided to make a load of extra work for myself by smoothing the thing in rather than just sticking it on like everyone else would.

The extra effort should be worth it though as it will become 1 with the rear bumper and look like it is all part of the same piece once I am finished

Bumper prepped ready for the diffuser to be bonded on:

[Image: 2016-04-09%2012.25.47.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-09%2012.25.52.jpg]

Diffuser is then bonded on and held in position with tape:
[Image: 2016-04-09%2013.22.05.jpg]

Once the bonding is complete I have then run panel bond right around the edge where the splitter meets the bumper, this stuff dries incredibly strong, it is used for holding quarter panels onto cars so you can imagine its got some good strength to it.

The main reason for using panel bond over anything else though is that it does not crack, ones smoothed over like this is has fuel the diffuser to the original bumper they are pretty much 1 piece now, the slightest knock isn't going to crack the edge right along and look a right mess like you see on some vehicles that have had bits and pieces added this stuff is superb, also it can be sanded smooth
[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.03.29.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.03.33.jpg]

So that was as far as I could get today as the panel bond takes quite a while to really cure so I can sand it down make it smooth and give it a final bit of stopper before prepping up the entire area and high build primering, so until I get chance to work on it this is how my car will look driving around for a while, bit of a mess!

[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.42.44.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-09%2014.42.49.jpg]

Next on the agenda was a job that should have been nice and simple quick job but actually took me 3 hours!

My new wheels have centre caps that are about 2mm bigger than the original lexus ones, I needed to remove the domed logos from my original caps onto the new caps.

New caps lacquered around the edge so the glossy Lexus logos don't look smaller than the caps

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.32.28.jpg]

This was the bit that took all the time, logos removed from original caps, all the double sided sticky removed and undersides re-blacked ready for to stuck onto the new caps

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.32.23.jpg]

Badges then glued to the new caps, excuse the dust couldn't wipe them clean until it has dried, will give them a quick polish on Monday and they will be all good and ready to go as soon as the tyres are fitted on the new wheels and I can get them installed

[Image: 2016-04-09%2015.41.07.jpg]

dougie175
Member

14-03-2023, 11:07 AM

#10

The bumper was the sprayed with adhesion promoter this helps the primer stick to the bare plastic

[Image: 2016-04-16%2011.41.32.jpg]

The bumper was then primed and rubbed down for another 3 hours to remove and tiny imperfections, there's a lot of detail and shapes to this diffuser so takes forever to rub the primer, its about this point when you ask yourself "Why didn't I just paint it and stick it on like everybody else!" This is the bumper once it was all rubbed down and it was taken outside to be washed to remove any dirt and grime so you get a nice clean paint job, nothing infuriates me more than seeing lads painting bumpers and the insides are full or dirt and mud and they wonder why the paint finish ends up requiring 3 hours of polishing to remove them!

[Image: 2016-04-16%2014.22.17.jpg]

So after a lot of cleaning basecoat applied ready for lacquer

[Image: 2016-04-16%2016.06.07.jpg]

Bumper back on the car, colour match looks spot on, I keep the primer low so I didn't really need to worry about the colour as I wasn't putting any colour up towards the quarters anyway

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.11.17.jpg]

Back outside to check it all looks ok and show off my new wheels also!

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.15.54.jpg]

Few close ups of the work, worth it in the end I feel just pretty OEM now its smoothed in

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.55.jpg]

dougie175

14-03-2023, 11:07 AM #10

7:30 start and just managed to get finished about 5:30 this evening, but the bulk of the work on the rear bumper is now complete. Just need to take it off again Monday evening and mark up the 3 lower sections to paint them matt black, then build up the bumper and install it again correct.

So after several hours and several layers of skin I finished rubbing the panel bond and had a nice shape, this stuff went in nice and smooth with no issues so only needed the tiniest amount of stopped right in the centre, I don't have a bumper full of filler, the panel bond makes the diffuser and the bumper 1 piece you could literally hand off the diffuser and it would not crack away from the bumper. There is not a better method I am aware of for this type of thing, theres nothing worse than someone smoothing something in and 6 months later it looks a dogs dinner as it has all cracked!

[Image: 2016-04-16%2011.30.00.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2011.30.07.jpg]

The bumper was the sprayed with adhesion promoter this helps the primer stick to the bare plastic

[Image: 2016-04-16%2011.41.32.jpg]

The bumper was then primed and rubbed down for another 3 hours to remove and tiny imperfections, there's a lot of detail and shapes to this diffuser so takes forever to rub the primer, its about this point when you ask yourself "Why didn't I just paint it and stick it on like everybody else!" This is the bumper once it was all rubbed down and it was taken outside to be washed to remove any dirt and grime so you get a nice clean paint job, nothing infuriates me more than seeing lads painting bumpers and the insides are full or dirt and mud and they wonder why the paint finish ends up requiring 3 hours of polishing to remove them!

[Image: 2016-04-16%2014.22.17.jpg]

So after a lot of cleaning basecoat applied ready for lacquer

[Image: 2016-04-16%2016.06.07.jpg]

Bumper back on the car, colour match looks spot on, I keep the primer low so I didn't really need to worry about the colour as I wasn't putting any colour up towards the quarters anyway

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.11.17.jpg]
Back outside to check it all looks ok and show off my new wheels also!

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.15.54.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.15.59.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.02.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.05.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.09.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.12.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.15.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.30.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.39.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.47.jpg]

Few close ups of the work, worth it in the end I feel just pretty OEM now its smoothed in

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.55.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.16.59.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.17.02.jpg]

[Image: 2016-04-16%2017.17.06.jpg]